[REVIEW] Thor: The Dark World

Thor is back and in case you can’t tell, we here at heDD have been looking forward to it for quite some time. In recent times Marvel have near enough single-handedly resurrected the comic book-movie genre by mixing stunning graphics, break-neck and ludicrously destructive action sequences, infused with impeccably sharp comedy timing.

Director Alan Taylor, better known for his work on Game Of Thrones and The Sopranos, manages to pull together most of these perfect ingredients but unfortunately it takes a little while to get Thor: The Dark World off the ground. Blockbuster sequels go one of three ways; either balls-t0-the-wall with all guns blazing (see – Iron Man 3), Damp squib with pointless and barely there threats (see – Iron Man 2) or dark and moody.

Thor 2 takes the third way, with Christopher Eccleston playing ultimate threat Malekith, the leader of The Dark Elves who his hell bent on – ironically – avenging an ancient battle with Thor’s dad, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), by destroying the nine realms which happen to include ours. When the Dark Elves begin to attack Asgard, Thor reaches out for help from his mischievous brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who has been stewing in prison following his destructive lads on “galactical” tour of planet earth that threatened all humanity in Avengers Assemble.

It’s from this point on that the film really comes to life, as Hiddleston simply steals the show. It’s no surprise that at the premier last week there were hoards of fans dressed as Loki and not Thor, his mix of charm, whit and deviousness make for a great character and unfortunately Thor 2 spends a little too much time focussing on it’s earthlings – Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård) and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) allegedly Thor’s love interest – but we don’t see it, not to mention Foster’s annoying quip-wielding assistant Darcy (Kat Dennings). Marvel seems to be convinced that fans care about these scientists and quite frankly, no one does. The film’s lowest points occur whenever any of these characters are on screen, except for the brief (pun intended) funny early scene where Dr. Selvig appears starkers at stone henge (the only spoiler we’ll give away and it’s for your own good).

Moans out of the way, we did otherwise enjoy Thor: The Dark World, Chris Hemsworth proves yet again that he was simply born to play the god of thunder, Loki is pure gold once he’s let out of his cage and Eccleston plays a mean bad guy. There are also some solid cameo appearances, some you will expect and one that will pleasantly surprise. If you have time to go to the cinema over the next couple of weeks, Thor 2 is a decent shout and date night worthy.